Description
This Cajun Steak Bites and Cheesy Garlic Shells Skillet is a perfect blend of spicy, tender steak bites paired with creamy, cheesy garlic pasta shells. A quick and delicious one-pan meal that brings bold Cajun flavors and rich, cheesy comfort together, making it an ideal dinner for steak lovers craving easy yet flavorful dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak Bites
- 1 ½ lbs sirloin steak or ribeye, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Cheesy Garlic Shells
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
- Season Steak: Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Toss them evenly in Cajun seasoning along with salt and pepper to taste.
- Sear Steak Bites: Heat a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and sear the steak bites in batches for about 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your liking. In the final minute of cooking, add butter and minced garlic, tossing the steak to coat with the flavorful butter-garlic mixture. Remove the steak bites and set aside to rest.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pan and lift any browned bits from the skillet. Let the cream simmer gently to thicken slightly.
- Add Cheeses and Spices: Stir in shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Continue stirring until the cheeses melt into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta shells into the cheese sauce, mixing thoroughly to coat each shell. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Top the cheesy pasta with the seared Cajun steak bites. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot and flavorful.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the Cajun seasoning or add cayenne pepper.
- Use fresh garlic for best flavor, but garlic powder can be substituted in a pinch.
- To ensure tender steak bites, avoid overcrowding the pan during searing and cook in batches if needed.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency, helping it cling to the pasta better.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
Keywords: Cajun steak bites, cheesy garlic shells, easy dinner skillet, creamy pasta with steak, spicy steak bites, quick hearty meal
